Dynamically interactive responsive control device and system

• US 4,560,983 A
• Filed: 09/17/1982
• Issued: 12/24/1985
• Est. Priority Date: 09/17/1982
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Ampex Corporation (Delta Information Systems, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Ampex Corporation (Delta Information Systems, Inc.)
• Inventors: Williams, Marshall
• Primary Examiner(s): YUSKO, DONALD
• Application Number:
  US06/419,632
• Time in Patent Office: 1,194 Days
• Field of Search: 340/825, 340/870.42, 340/407, 74/10.41, 74/822, 74/824, 73/432 R, 73/432 SD, 310/93, 318/623, 318/676
• US Class Current: 340/407.1
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/108 characterised by physical layout of switches; switches co-operating with display; use of switches in a special way
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23053 Knob with tactile feedback, representing clicks, detents programmed
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23379 Knob, delivering pulses, digipot, electronic potentiometer
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2003/008 with a haptic or a tactile feedback controlled by electrical means, e.g. a motor or magnetofriction

Abstract

A general device for the input of information in a binary format through rotational motion is disclosed, having independent means for the simultaneous output of information in a form perceivable to the human tactile sense. In particular, a knob is coupled to a shaft, a tachometer and a particle brake. An associated control means receives information from the tachometer, controls the operation of the particle brake, and interfaces the corresponding operations with the apparatus which is desired to be controlled thereby.

Claims

1. A control for the input of information to a utilization device to control at least one parameter associated therewith, comprising:

a member positionable over a range and moveable throughout said range for effecting an output response and providing a tactually perceivable sensation in response to movement of said member with resistance to said movement producing a tactually perceivable sensation controllable independent of its position in said range; and

means operatively coupled to said member for generating an indication of the position of said member and direction of movement of said member.

2. A control as recited in claim 1 further comprising means operatively coupled to said member for controlling the tactually perceivable sensation provided in response to said movement of said member.

3. Apparatus for the input of information from a displacement device to a controlled system to control at least one operating parameter associated therewith, and for the production of information in a tactile format in response to an output therefrom, comprising:

first means for translating information from the displacement device to a format for communication to the controlled system;

control means responsive to said first means for producing a control signal to control an operating parameter associated with the controlled system and for producing an output signal;

second means responsive to the output signal for restricting the maximum angular displacement of the rotation device between a pre-defined first and second limit; and

third means responsive to the output signal for producing resistance to the rotation of the rotation device.

6. Apparatus as recited in claim 3, 4 or 5, further comprising:

fourth means responsive to the output signal for providing tactile indication of a plurality of angular positions.

7. Apparatus as recited in claim 6, further comprises:

fifth means for producing a first signal representative of amount of displacement of the motion device and a second signal representative of direction of displacement of the motion device.

8. Apparatus as recited in claim 6, further comprising:

sixth means responsive to the controlled system for producing a tactile indication.

9. Apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein said sixth means further comprises:

seventh means responsive to the controlled system for producing resistance to the motion of the motion device.

10. Apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein said seventh means further comprises:

eighth means responsive to the controlled system for inhibiting the motion of the motion device in one direction.

11. Apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein said seventh means further comprises:

ninth means responsive to the controlled system for inhibiting motion of the motion device in both directions.

12. Apparatus as recited in claim 9 wherein said seventh means further comprises:

tenth means responsive to the controlled system for reducing resistance to the motion of the motion device.

13. Apparatus as recited in claim 7, wherein said control means comprises:

counter means responsive to the first and second signal for counting in a sequence determined by the second signal, the number of occurrences of the first signal, and producing an output corresponding to the numeric count;

comparison means responsive to the numeric count of said counter means for comparing the numeric count with a plurality of pre-defined numeric values, and producing an output signal when the numeric count of said counter means equals one of said pre-defined numeric values; and

conversion means, responsive to the numeric count of said counter means for producing the control signal.

4. Apparatus for the input of information from a rotational motion device to a controlled system to control at least one operating parameter associated therewith, and for the production of information in a tactile format in response to an output therefrom, comprising:

first means for translating information from the rotational motion device to a format for communication to the controlled system;

control means responsive to said first means for producing a control signal to control a parameter associated with the controlled system and for producing an output signal;

second means responsive to the output signal for restricting the maximum angular displacement of the rotation device between a pre-defined first and second limit; and

third means responsive to the output signal for producing resistance to the rotation of the rotation device.

5. Apparatus for the input of information from a translatory motion device to a controlled system to control at least one operating parameter associated therewith, and for the production of information in a tactile format in response to an output therefrom, comprising:

first means for translating information from the translatory motion device to a format for communication to the controlled system;

control means responsive to said first means for producing a control signal to control a parameter associated with the controlled system and for producing an output signal;

second means responsive to the output signal for restricting the maximum angular displacement of the rotation device between a pre-defined first and second limit; and

third means responsive to the output signal for producing resistance to the rotation of the rotation device.

14. Apparatus for the input of information from a motion device to a controlled system to control at least one operating parameter associated therewith, and for the production of information in a tactile format in response to an output therefrom, comprising:

first means for translating information from the motion device to a format for communication to the controlled system;

control means responsive to said first means for producing a control signal to control and operating parameter associated with the controlled system and for producing an output signal;

second means responsive to the output signal for restricting the maximum angular displacement of the rotational device between a pre-defined first and second limit; and

fourth means responsive to the output signal for providing tactile indication of a plurality of angular positions.

15. Apparatus as recited in claim 14, further comprising:

third means responsive to the output signal for producing resistance to the motion of the motion device.

20. Apparatus as recited in claims 3, 4, 5, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18, further comprises:

fifth means for producing a first signal representative of amount of displacement of the motion device and a second signal respresentative of direction of displacement of the motion device.

21. Apparatus as recited in claims 3, 4, 5, 14, 15, 16, or 17, further comprising:

sixth means responsive to the controlled system for producing a tactile indication.

22. Apparatus as recited in claim 21, wherein said sixth means further comprises:

seventh means responsive to the controlled system for producing resistance to the motion of the motion device.

23. Apparatus as recited in claim 22, wherein said seventh means further comprises:

eighth means responsive to the controlled system for inhibiting the motion of the motion device in one direction.

24. Apparatus as recited in claim 22, wherein said seventh means further comprises:

ninth means responsive to the controlled system for inhibiting motion of the motion device in both directions.

25. Apparatus as recited in claim 22, wherein said seventh means further comprises:

tenth means reponsive to the controlled system for reducing resistance to the motion of the motion device.

34. Apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein said control means comprises:

counter means responsive to the first and second signal for counting in a sequence determined by the second signal, the number of occurrences of the first signal, and producing an output corresponding to the numeric count;

comparison means responsive to the numeric count of said counter means for comparing the numeric count with a plurality of pre-defined numeric values, and producing an output signal when the numeric count of said counter means equals one of said pre-defined numeric values; and

conversion means, responsive to the numeric count of said counter means for producing the control signal.

35. Apparatus as recited in claim 34, wherein said conversion means further comprises:

analog conversion means, responsive to the numeric count, for producing the control signal in an analog format responsive to the numeric value of said count.

16. Apparatus for the input of information from a rotational motion device to a controlled system to control a single or plurality of parameters associated therewith, and for the production of information in a tactile format in response to an output therefrom, comprising:

first means for translating information from the rotational motion device to a format for communication to the controlled system;

control means responsive to said first means for producing a control signal to control an operating parameter associated with the controlled system and for producing an output signal;

second means responsive to the output signal for restricting the maximum angular displacement of the rotational device between a pre-defined first and second limit; and

fourth means responsive to the output signal for providing tactile indication of a plurality of angular positions.

17. Apparatus as recited in claim 16, further comprising:

third means responsive to the output signal for producing resistance to the rotational motion of the rotational motion device.

19. Apparatus as recited in claim 17, further comprising:

third means responsive to the output signal for producing resistance to the translatory motion of the translatory motion device.

26. Apparatus as recited in claim 19 further comprises:

fifth means for producing a first signal representative of amount of displacement of the motion device and a second signal representative of direction of displacement of the motion device.

27. Apparatus as recited in claim 26, wherein said control means comprises:

counter means responsive to the first and second signal for counting in a sequence determined by the second signal, the number of occurrences of the first signal, and producing an output corresponding to the numeric count;

comparison means responsive to the numeric count of said counter means for comparing the numeric count with a plurality of pre-defined numeric values, and producing an output signal when the numeric counter of said countermeans equals one of said pre-defined numeric values; and

conversion means, responsive to the numeric count of said counter means for producing the control signal.

28. Apparatus as recited in claim 19 further comprising:

sixth means responsive to the controlled system for producing a tactile indication.

29. Apparatus as recited in claim 28, wherein said sixth means further comprises:

seventh means responsive to the controlled system for producing resistance to the motion of the motion device.

30. Apparatus as recited in claim 29, wherein said seventh means further comprises:

eighth means responsive to the controlled system for inhibiting motion of the motion device in both directions.

31. Apparatus as recited in claim 29, wherein said seventh means further comprises:

ninth means responsive to the controlled system for inhibiting motion of the motion device in both directions.

32. Apparatus as recited in claim 29, wherein said seventh means further comprises:

tenth means responsive to the controlled system for reducing resistance to the motion of the motion device.

18. Apparatus for the input of information from a translatory motion device to a controlled system to control a single or plurality of parameters associated therewith, and for the production of information in a tactile format in response to an output therefrom, comprising:

first means for translating information from the translatory motion device to a format for communication to the controlled system;

control means responsive to said first means for producing a control signal to control an operating parameter associated with the controlled system and for producing an output signal;

second means responsive to the output signal for restricting the maximum angular displacement of the rotational device between a pre-defined first and second limit; and

fourth means responsive to the output signal for providing tactile indication of a plurality of angular positions.

33. Apparatus for the input of information in a rotational format to a controlled system to control a at least one operating parameter associated therewith, and for the production of information in a tactile format in response to output therefrom, comprising:

shaft means;

a tachometer coupled to the shaft means which produces a first signal in response to angular displacement of said shaft means, and a second signal in response to direction of rotation of said shaft means;

control means responsive to the first and second signals of the tachometer for producing a control signal to control the parameter associated with the electrical system and for producing an output signal; and

a particle brake coupled to the shaft means responsive to the output signal.

36. Apparatus as recited in claim 33, wherein said control means comprises:

counter means responsive to the first and second signal for counting in a sequence determined by the second signal, the number of occurrences of the first signal, and producing an output corresponding to the numeric count;

comparison means responsive to the numeric count of said counter means for comparing the numeric count with a plurality of pre-defined numeric values, and producing an output signal when the numeric count of said counter means equals one of said pre-defined numeric values; and

conversion means, responsive to the numeric count of said counter means for producing the control signal.

37. A method for the input of information from a displacement device to a controlled system to control at least one operating parameter associated therewith, and for the production of information in a tactile format in response to an output therefrom, comprising the steps of:

translating information from the displacement device to a controlled format for communication to the controlled system;

producing a control signal responsive to the translated information from the displacement device to control a parameter associated with the controlled system and producing an output signal;

restricting the maximum angular displacement of the displacement device responsive to the output signal between a pre-defined first and second limit; and

producing resistance to the displacement of the displacement device responsive to the output signal.

40. A method as recited in claim 37, 38 or 39, further comprising the steps of:

providing tactile indications of a plurality of angular positions responsive to the output signal.

41. A method as recited in claim 40, wherein said translatory step further comprises:

producing a first signal representative of amount of displacement of the motion device and a second signal representative of direction of displacement of the motion device.

42. A method as recited in claim 40, further comprising:

producing a tactile indication responsive to the electrical system.

43. A method as recited in claim 42, wherein said producing tactile indication step further comprises:

producing resistance to the motion of the motion device responsive to the electrical system.

44. A method as recited in claim 43, wherein said producing resistance step further comprises the step of:

inhibiting the motion of the motion device in one direction responsive to the electrical system.

45. A method as recited in claim 43, wherein said producing resistance step further comprises:

inhibiting motion of the motion device in both direction responsive to the electrical system.

46. A method as recited in claim 43, wherein said producing resistance step further comprises the step of:

reducing resistance to the motion of the motion device responsive to the electrical system.

47. A method as recited in claim 41, wherein said translating step further comprises:

counting in a sequence determined by the second signal, the number occurrences of the first signal, and producing an output corresponding to the numeric count;

comparing the numeric count with a plurality of predefined numeric values, and producing an output signal when the numeric count of said counter means equals on of said predefined numeric values;

producing the control signal responsive to the numeric count.

54. A method as recited in claim 37, 38, 39, 47, 48, 50, 51, or 52, wherein said translatory step further comprises:

producing a first signal representative of amount of displacement of the motion device and a second signal representative of direction of displacement of the motion device.

55. A method as recited in claims 37, 38, 39, 47, 48, 50, 51, or 52, further comprising:

producing a tactile indication responsive to the electrical system.

56. A method as recited in claim 55, wherein said producing tactile indication step further comprises:

producing resistance to the motion of the motion device responsive to the electrical system.

57. A method as recited in claim 56, wherein said producing resistance step further comprises the step of:

inhibiting the motion of the motion device in one direction responsive to the electrical system.

58. A method as recited in claim 56, wherein said producing resistance step further comprises:

inhibiting motion of the motion device in both direction responsive to the electrical system.

59. A method as recited in claim 56, wherein said producing resistance step further comprises the step of:

reducing resistance to the motion of the motion device responsive to the electrical system.

38. A method for the input of information from a rotational motion device to a controlled system to control at least one operating parameter associated therewith, and for the production of information in a tactile format in response to an output therefrom, comprising the steps of:

translating information from the rotation motion device to a format for communication to the controlled system;

producing a control signal responsive to the translated information from the motion device to control an operating parameter associated with the controlled system and producing an output signal;

restricting the maximum angular displacement of the rotation device between a pre-defined first and second limit responsive to the output signal; and

producing resistance to the rotation of the rotation device responsive to the output signal.

39. A method for the input of information from a translatory motion device to a controlled system to control at least one operating parameter associated therewith, and for the production of information in a tactile format in response to an output therefrom, comprising the steps of:

translating information from the translatory motion device to a controlled format for communication to the controlled system;

producing a control signal responsive to the translated information from the translatory motion device to control an operating parameter associated with the controlled system and producing an output signal;

restricting the maximum angular displacement of the rotation device responsive to the output signal between a pre-defined first and second limit responsive to the output signal; and

producing resistance to the rotation of the rotation device responsive to the output signal.

48. A method for the input of information from a motion device to a controlled system to control at least one operating parameter associated therewith, and for the production of information in a tactile format in response to an output therefrom, comprising the steps of:

translating information from the motion device to a format for communication to the controlled system;

producing a control signal responsive to the translated information from the motion device to control an operating parameter associated with the controlled system and for producing an output signal;

restricting the maximum angular displacement of the rotational device between a predefined first and second limit in response to the output signal; and

providing tactile indication of a plurality of angular positions responsive to the output signal.

49. A method as recited in claim 48, further comprising the steps of:

producing resistance to the motion of the motion device responsive to the output signal.

50. A method for the input of information from a rotational motion device to a controlled system to control at least one operating parameter associated therewith, and for the production of information in a tactile format in response to an output therefrom, comprising the steps of:

translating information from the rotational motion device to a format for communicating the controlled system;

producing a control signal responsive to the translated information from the rotational motion device to control the parameter associated with the controlled system and for producing an output signal;

restricting the maximum angular displacement of the rotational device between a predefined first and second limit responsive to the output signal; and

providing tactile information of a plurality of angular positions responsive to the output signal.

51. A method as recited in claim 50, further comprising the steps of:

producing resistance to the rotational motion of the motion device responsive to the output signal.

52. A method for the input of information from a translatory motion device to a controlled system to control at least one operating parameter associated therewith, and for the production of information in a tactile format in response to an output therefrom, comprising the steps of:

translating information from the translatory motion device to a format for communication of the controlled system;

producing a control signal responsive to the translated information from the translatory motion device to control an operating parameter associated with the controlled system and for producing an output signal;

restricting the maximum angular displacement of the rotational device between a predefined first and second limit in response to the output signal; and

providing tactile indication of a plurality of angular positions responsive to the output signal.

53. A method as recited in claim 52, further comprising the steps of:

producing resistance to the translatory motion of the translatory motion device responsive to the output signal.

60. A method as recited in claim 53, wherein said translatory step further comprises:

producing a first signal representative of amount of displacement of the motion device and a second signal representative of direction of displacement of the motion device.

61. A method as recited in claims 53 further comprising:

producing a tactile indication responsive to the electrical system.

62. A method as recited in claim 61, wherein said producing tactile indication step further comprises:

producing resistance to the motion of the motion device responsive to the electrical system.

63. A method as recited in claim 62, wherein said producing resistance step further comprises the step of:

inhibiting the motion of the motion device in one direction responsive to the electrical system.

64. A method as recited in claim 62, wherein said producing resistance step further comprises:

inhibiting motion of the motion device in both direction responsive to the electrical system.

65. A method as recited in claim 62, wherein said producing resistance step further comprises the step of:

reducing resistance to the motion of the motion device responsive to the electrical system.

66. A method as recited in claims 60, wherein said translating step further comprises:

counting in a sequence determined by the second signal, the number of occurrences of the first signal, and producing an output corresponding to the numeric count;

comparing the numeric count with a plurality of pre-defined numeric values, and producing an output signal when the numeric count of said counter means equals one of said pre-defined numeric values;

producing the control signal responsive to the numeric counter.